Combine Results

Grade

4.70 SEC

21 REPS

37.0 INCH

124.0 INCH

7.14 SEC

4.37 SEC

Draft Analysis:

Bucky Brooks' take: Whitehead will compete for a spot as a backup player. He will bring size and speed to the kick coverage units and improve the overall athleticism of the roster.

6'1" Height

32 3/8" Arm Length

233LBS. Weight

10 1/4" Hands

Overview

Whitehead is a solid linebacker prospect who will not blow anyone away with his play, but he is serviceable and will be a good special teams player at the next level. He is a competitive defender who likes to work against the run but is even better at mauling tight ends and keeping them out of their routes. He doesn't do as well when covering his man downfield, and he has limited value on pass plays. He carries fifth- or sixth-round value.

Analysis

Strengths

Whitehead is very good at using his hands and arm strength to harass tight ends at the line of scrimmage. He has a good base and he likes to get under tight ends and bigger linemen to throw them off their stance at the snap. He can chase a play down across the field, but he is more of a long-speed runner and isn't as great in short areas. He is a solid tackler inside who could get the job done against NFL linemen.

Weaknesses

Whitehead is a run defender and should only be relied upon to re-route receivers early when working in the passing game. He doesn't change directions well when running with players downfield against the pass, a problem that will persist in the NFL. He doesn't look natural when dropping into zone coverage and shouldn't be put in a scheme in which he has to defend the pass often.

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Grade

Title

Draft (Round)

Description

96-100

Future Hall of Famer

Top Pick

A once-in-a-generation type prospect who could change how his position is played

85-95

Immediate Starter

1st

An impact player with the ability/intangibles to become a Pro Bowl player. Expect to start immediately except in a unique situation (i.e. behind a veteran starter).

70-84

Eventual Starter

2nd-3rd

A quality player who will contribute to the team early on and is expected to develop into a starter. A reliable player who brings value to the position.

50-69

Draftable Player

4th-7th

A prospect with the ability to make team as a backup/role player. Needs to be a special teams contributor at applicable positions. Players in the high range of this category might have long-term potential.

20-49

Free Agent

UDFA

A player with solid measurables, intangibles, college achievements, or a developing skill that warrants an opportunity in an NFL camp. In the right situation, he could earn a place on a 53-man roster, but most likely will be a practice squad player or a camp body.